Solving Math Problems Subtracting Quotients From Sums
Understanding the Problem
Okay, guys, let's dive into this math problem! We need to figure out the correct answer to a question that involves a few different operations. It’s like a mini math puzzle, and we're going to break it down step by step to make sure we get it right. The question asks us to subtract the result of dividing 15 by 3 from the sum of 33 and 7. Sounds a bit complex at first, but don't worry, we've got this! We'll use the order of operations, which you might remember as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), to guide us. This ensures we tackle the different parts of the problem in the correct sequence, so we don't end up with a wrong answer. Think of it like following a recipe – you need to add the ingredients in the right order to bake a perfect cake! So, first things first, we'll look at the division part, then the addition, and finally, we'll do the subtraction. This structured approach will help us to simplify the problem and find the solution easily. Remember, math problems like this are all about paying attention to the details and taking things one step at a time. There's no need to rush; accuracy is key. And hey, if we make a mistake, that’s totally fine! We can learn from it and try again. Math is like that – it’s a journey of discovery and learning. So, let’s get started and unlock the solution to this problem together!
Step-by-Step Solution
Let's break this down like pros! First, we need to find the quotient of $15
div 3$. Quotient might sound like a fancy word, but it just means the result you get when you divide one number by another. So, what is $15
div 3$? Well, 3 goes into 15 five times, right? So, the quotient is 5. We've tackled the division part of our problem. Now, let's move on to the second part: finding the sum of 33 and 7. Sum is another math term that simply means the result you get when you add two numbers together. So, what do we get when we add 33 and 7? Easy peasy – it’s 40. We've nailed the addition part too! Now comes the final step. The question asks us to subtract the quotient we found (which was 5) from the sum we found (which was 40). So, we need to subtract 5 from 40. What's 40 minus 5? It’s 35! And that, my friends, is our final answer. We've successfully navigated all the steps and found the solution. See? It wasn't so scary after all. By breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable parts, we were able to solve it without any stress. Remember, this approach of tackling problems step by step is super useful, not just in math but in everyday life too. When you're faced with a big task, just break it down into smaller steps, and you'll find it much easier to handle. So, give yourself a pat on the back – you've just aced this math problem!
Identifying the Correct Option
Alright, now that we've done the math and figured out the answer is 35, let's match it to the options provided. We have four choices: A. 21, B. 23, C. 37, and D. 35. We're looking for the option that matches our calculated answer, which is 35. Scanning through the options, we can see that option D is indeed 35! Bingo! We've found the correct answer. Options A, B, and C are all different numbers, so we know they're not the right choices. This is an important step in problem-solving: always double-check your answer against the given options to make sure you've selected the correct one. It's easy to make a small mistake in your calculations, so this quick check can save you from choosing the wrong answer. Think of it like proofreading your work – it's a final check to make sure everything is perfect. And in this case, it is! We've confidently identified the correct option. So, the answer to our problem is D. 35. Great job, everyone! We've successfully solved the problem and understood how to arrive at the solution. This kind of careful, step-by-step approach is what makes math so much easier and more fun. Remember, it's not just about getting the right answer; it's also about understanding the process. And we've definitely nailed that today!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Okay, let's talk about some common slip-ups people often make when tackling problems like this. Knowing these pitfalls can help us avoid them and ensure we get the right answer every time. One of the biggest mistakes is not following the order of operations (PEMDAS). Remember, we need to do division before addition and subtraction. If you mix up the order, you'll likely end up with the wrong answer. For instance, if we added 33 and 7 first (getting 40) and then divided 15 by 3 (getting 5), that's the correct sequence, then subtract them will lead us to the correct answer. Another common mistake is misreading the question. Sometimes, we might rush and not fully understand what's being asked. Always take a moment to read the question carefully and make sure you know exactly what you need to find. Underlining key words or phrases can be super helpful here. Also, simple calculation errors can throw us off. We might know the steps, but if we make a mistake in our addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division, the final answer will be incorrect. Double-checking your calculations is crucial. It only takes a few seconds, and it can save you from a lot of frustration. Another pitfall is forgetting to include units or labels if the problem requires them. In this particular question, we're dealing with numbers, so units aren't an issue, but in other problems, they can be important. Finally, don't be afraid to break the problem down into smaller steps. As we saw earlier, this makes the problem much more manageable and reduces the chance of errors. So, by being aware of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, we can boost our math skills and confidently solve even the trickiest problems.
Conclusion
Wrapping things up, we've successfully tackled this math problem and learned some valuable strategies along the way! We started by carefully reading the question and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This is a fantastic approach for any problem, not just in math but in life in general. We then followed the order of operations (PEMDAS) to ensure we tackled the different steps in the correct sequence. We divided 15 by 3, added 33 and 7, and then subtracted the results. This methodical approach helped us avoid errors and arrive at the correct answer, which is 35. We also identified the correct option from the choices provided, reinforcing the importance of double-checking our work. And we discussed common mistakes to avoid, such as misreading the question or making calculation errors. By being aware of these pitfalls, we can minimize the chances of making them ourselves. So, what are the key takeaways from this exercise? Firstly, break down complex problems into smaller steps. Secondly, follow the order of operations. Thirdly, double-check your work*. And fourthly, learn from your mistakes*. Math can be challenging, but with the right approach and a bit of practice, anyone can excel. Remember, it's not just about getting the right answer; it's about understanding the process and developing problem-solving skills. These skills will serve you well in all aspects of life. So, keep practicing, keep learning, and keep challenging yourself. You've got this!
